Classification [edit]. Pidgins and creoles are often classified in terms of their superstrate and substrate languages. The superstrate language is the language on which the pidgin or creole is primarily based, and is usually the language of the colonizing people.
Here are some brief descriptions of the Trail as it passes through the fourteen states that are home to portions of it. The mileages are fairly accurate, but don't take them as gospel. Reroutings of the Trail cause the trail mileage to change from year to year. You can keep up with the actual changes by getting a copy of the Data Book, which is issued yearly. Do not count on all information provided by various out-links as it is hard for files to be kept up to date.
As the trail follows the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains it passes through 14 states, and although the slogan is Maine to Georgia, most people hike the trail the other way, Georgia to Maine. Georgia's mild climate plays a role in this, since hikers like to start the 6 month trek in April. Another reason: the toughest part of the trail, in New Hampshire and Maine is saved for last, when hikers are in condition to handle it.